The Newcomers Ski Group introduces Black immigrants to Colorado's mountain slopes.

In Dillon, Colorado, Lami

ne Kane found adapting to the weather relatively easy compared to adjusting to life in Silverthorne as an immigrant from Senegal.

Arriving in Colorado in the late 90s, Kane recalled feeling conspicuous alongside his family simply because they appeared different. While his peers enthusiastically engaged in winter sports, Kane felt no encouragement to join them.

However, a second opportunity arose. This year, at the age of 36, Kane became part of the Newcomers Ski Group, a Denver-based initiative facilitating free skiing and snowboarding trips at Arapahoe Basin for first- and second-generation African immigrants.

Gathering with 16 other members at the base of the ski lift, Kane noticed the curious gazes directed their way as they prepared to experience the mountain for the first time.

"People aren't accustomed to seeing such a gathering of Black individuals in places like this," remarked Kane.

At the age of 12, Kane relocated with his family from Africa to Philadelphia to reunite with his father, who sought refuge from violence in Congo and sought better employment opportunities to support the family.

Subsequently, the family settled in Silverthorne, where Kane felt a profound cultural disparity among predominantly white peers.

"As a Black person, an African, and an immigrant, I already possess three distinguishing characteristics setting me apart from everyone else in Silverthorne," Kane explained. "I was one of only a handful of Black students in my school. It was challenging not knowing how to integrate into that community and feeling unwelcome by my peers."

Kane hesitated to engage in snow sports due to the absence of family participation and the lack of visibility of Black individuals skiing or snowboarding in Silverthorne. Moreover, the financial implications deterred him, as winter-resistant attire proved costly.

The average cost of a day-long ski pass in the U.S. ranges from $50 to $250, excluding additional expenses such as travel, sustenance, and gear rental, which could surpass $1,000 for a single day on the slopes.

According to Outdoormaster, Colorado's ski industry generates $4.8 billion annually for the state, with 89% of skiers identifying as white. However, for people of color and immigrants like Kane, partaking in this aspect of Colorado culture can feel exclusionary.

Hence, Ethiopian immigrant Mohamed Kadir established the Newcomers Ski Group in 2021. Supported by grants from the Oromo Community of Colorado, The Denver Foundation, and Grand Design, Inc., Kadir's endeavor covers expenses such as food, gear, lift tickets, and transportation for participants.

"The significance of this experience lies in its novelty," Kadir remarked regarding outdoor activities in the snow. "When you engage in something new, your mind expands, opportunities arise, and you grow. It's a positive development."

Nationwide, Black and African-American skiers constitute only 1.5% of the skiing population, according to the National Ski Areas Association.

In 1972, two Black ski enthusiasts, Ben Finley and Art Clay, established the National Black Summit to augment this percentage and attract more Black skiers to the slopes. This annual gathering now rotates among different ski resorts across the U.S.

"It's only when we witness individuals who resemble us participating in these sports that we make strides," Finley noted. "When people see representation, they may entertain the thought, 'Perhaps I'd like to try that.'"

Over time, Kane gradually assimilated into Silverthorne and forged friendships with local youths, affording him opportunities to partake in winter activities like snowboarding.

While acknowledging that his perspective may not be universal, Kane identified three primary factors deterring people of color from winter sports: accessibility, representation, and financial barriers.

To introduce Kane to snowboarding, his friends generously loaned him gear and offered him a pass.

Kane regarded himself as an "exception" among immigrants, having been introduced to snowboarding with the support of his Silverthorne friends.

Firdosa Mohamed, who migrated from Ethiopia to Colorado at the age of 10, learned about the Newcomers Ski Group from a flyer. Eager to try skiing despite initial apprehensions about its safety, Mohamed embraced the opportunity to acquire a new skill.

Playing in the mountains constitutes an integral part of Colorado culture, and Mohamed expressed delight in being part of it.

"In the end, it's all about learning, so I'm grateful for the experience," Mohamed concluded.